Definition

1. Noun:

   • A device used to slow the descent of a person or object through the air: A "parachute" is a piece of rescue equipment, typically made of light fabric, that fills with air to create drag and allow for a safe, controlled fall from a great height, especially from an aircraft.

2. Verb:

   • To jump from an aircraft using a parachute: To descend safely from an aircraft by deploying a parachute.
   • To drop or deliver (someone or something) using a parachute: To cause a person or supplies to descend from an aircraft by means of a parachute.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The skydiver checked his parachute carefully before the jump.*
  • Supplies were delivered to the remote village by parachute.*

• Verb (intransitive):

  • The commandos were trained to parachute behind enemy lines.*
  • She decided to parachute for the first time on her birthday.*

• Verb (transitive):

  • The army parachuted medical supplies into the disaster zone.*
  • During the war, agents were parachuted into occupied territory.*

Advanced Usage

• "To parachute in": To arrive suddenly in a situation, especially to take control, often without adequate preparation or understanding of the local context.
  • The new CEO was parachuted in from headquarters to fix the division's problems.

Variants and Related Words

• Parachutist (n): A person who jumps from an aircraft using a parachute; a skydiver.

  • The experienced parachutist performed an intricate aerial maneuver.

• Parachuting (n): The sport or activity of jumping from an aircraft and descending by parachute; skydiving.

  • He took up parachuting as an extreme hobby.

Synonyms

• Noun: Chute (informal), canopy.
• Verb: Jump, skydive, bail out.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Parachute in: (See "Advanced Usage" above).
• Parachute out: To exit a situation abruptly, especially a failing business venture, often with minimal personal loss.
  • The investors managed to parachute out before the company collapsed.

Related Idioms

• Golden parachute: A large payment or other financial compensation guaranteed to a company executive if they are dismissed, especially after a merger or takeover.
  • The controversial golden parachute for the departing CEO was worth millions.

Noun

1. rescue equipment consisting of a device that fills with air and retards your fall

Verb

1. jump from an airplane and descend with a parachute